Jacksonville Preschool Tests Positive For Lead

A preschool in the east has tested positive for lead and now the local health department is recommending that children attending the school to be tested.

Onslow County Schools Public Affairs Assistant Suzie Ulbrich says Thompson Early Childhood Center in Jacksonville has tested positive for lead in paint used on the exterior of the building as well as inside on door jams, hallways and radiators. All of the lead dust samples tested well below lead dust standards, which is good news because that is primarily how lead is ingested by children ages six and under.

Ulbrich says no children are known to have elevated lead levels and the Onslow County Health Department is offering free testing this Friday, June 13, and next Friday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Onslow County Schools has sent a letter to parents inviting them to attend an open forum on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Thompson Early Childhood Center in the Dr. Kay B. Gresham Multipurpose Room. They will be able to ask questions and talk to representatives from the school system and the health department.

Ulbrich says the preschool is seeking licensure as a child care center following the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten program requirements which is why the school, that was built in the 1940's, was being tested for lead. There are plans to fix the lead issue over the summer which will also complete the licensure requirements.

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